Our wonderful President, Gisela Carere, MBA has been invited to join the exclusive Forbes Business Council!
Gisela is honoured to become a Forbes Council’ contributor. She will touch on relevant topics to the industry, and bring important knowledge regarding human capital.
Read Gisela’s first article HERE, and work with Benchmark today to gain access to these resources and networks.
As part of #ALSAwarenessMonth this June, Benchmark Benefits is proud to spotlight the ALS Society of Canada’s mission to improve the lives of Canadians affected by ALS through research, advocacy, and community services.
LEARN MORE AND DONATE HERE
With nearly 4,000 Canadians living with ALS, these services are crucial to improving quality of life. In 2023, ALS Canada supported 1,407 individuals in Ontario, hosted webinars for more than 600 participants, and awarded $2.3 million in research grants. By donating or participating in the ALS Canada fundraising events, folks can help raise awareness and funds for research and support services.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW FEATURE BELOW:
The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) is working to change what it means to live with ALS. Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity, and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies.
With nearly 4,000 Canadians living with ALS, there is a tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness, and education. We empower Canadians affected by the disease to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change.
In Ontario, we provide direct community services to help people navigate ALS.
2) What are the primary goals of the organization?
ALS Canada works with the ALS community to improve the lives of Canadians affected by ALS through advancing research, care, advocacy, and information. In 2024, we set out on our new strategic plan, informed by the ALS community and stakeholders, to create a vision for the future. It will guide our organization through the next stage of our growth and progress. The plan focuses on four strategic impact goals:
- Lead Canada’s contribution to global ALS research
- Drive equitable and timely access to the best possible standard of care, treatments, and services
- Mobilize collective action to advocate for maximum impact
- Empower informed decision-making and recognition of ALS
3) What have been the biggest impacts/outcomes on the community you serve?
ALS Canada supported 1,407 people living with ALS in Ontario in 2023. More than 3,300 equipment items were provided to registered clients in Ontario to maintain independence, increase quality of life, and reduce injury to the person with ALS and the caregiver.
In 2023, more than 600 people across Canada attended our Community Services webinars on mental health, travel, navigating your healthcare team, and more. One hundred ten support groups came together, with more than 520 people in attendance sharing their experiences and learning from one another through sessions led by Community Leads trained in facilitation.
Working with partners, including Brain Canada, ALS Canada held five grant competitions in 2023 and awarded 17 research grants, investing a total of $2,303,000 in research.
4) What are some of the biggest challenges ALS Canada has overcome?
ALS can move with startling swiftness: four out of five people die within two to five years of their diagnosis. With no cure, the ALS community has no choice but to measure time not by months or years but by loss – loss of function and loss of life. It can be a devastating disease, which is why we urge
people to come together in June during ALS Awareness Month at the ALS Canada Walk to End ALS to help build awareness for the disease and raise much-needed funds to allow us to continue to support people affected by ALS.
5) What are ALS Canada’s goals for the future?
A world free of ALS is achievable. By donating to ALS Canada, you can help us invest in the most
promising research and services fundamental to changing lives.
Consider implementing flexible work options, such as remote workdays or outdoor workstations. Or try organizing team outings to local parks or sporting events. It’s also always great to promote walking meetings or outdoor lunches!
These activities not only enhance physical health but also foster a positive and engaging work culture.
Below, you can find a great study on the benefits of walking daily, which we encourage you to share with your employees!
READ MORE
Contact our team of experts to discuss how we can assist your business in topics such as wellness, financial management, and more:
Phone: 416-560-0551
Email: [email protected]